This Diwali, shine the light on a guilt-free festive season!
The festival of lights is upon us and no celebration is complete without food, family and fun. It’s the time to plan parties, put up decorations and make merry with your loved ones.
This Diwali, enjoy the festivities without the fear of gaining a few extra kilos and make choices that allow you to enjoy the celebrations truly guilt-free! Use this easy-to-follow tips and not just wish for a healthy, prosperous and safe Diwali, but actually live it.
1. Consciously make healthier choices: Celebrations are often synonymous with over-indulgence. Instead, purposively plan your meals, sweets and schedules. Portion control and moderation are the key to helping you stay on track towards your health goals.
2. Don’t eat too much sweet: A study shows that Indians binged 32% more processed sugar than regular consumption in the week leading up to Diwali last year. (1) While staying away from sweets and desserts is virtually impossible during the festivities, you can replace processed sugar in your desserts and beverages with honey to give them a healthier upgrade
3. Protein for the win: Adding protein to your meals boosts your metabolism, keeps you full for longer and prevents over-eating. Design your starters, snacks and curries to include organic paneer, curd, yoghurt and cheese and add the power of protein to your culinary delights
4. Plan your party keeping yourself in mind: Serve to your guests the food that you would love to eat. Swap the carbonated welcome drink for a glass of tender coconut water or hearty buttermilk. Instead of a heavy, sugary dessert, serve mango yoghurt with nuts. Trust us, your body and guests will thank you!
5. Drink plenty of water: Staying hydrated not only helps you feel less tired and more energetic, it also helps the digestive system cope with rich food that the season entails
6. Say NO to packaged snacks and processed food: When friends and family get together, snacking is bound to happen. This Diwali, stay away from processed options and opt for homemade snacks, desserts and drinks. Not only will this keep unnecessary trans-fat out of your diet, it will also be a great way to celebrate the nostalgia of forgotten, heritage foods
7. Give your loved ones the gift of good health: Rather than a box of sweets or chocolates, gift your family and friends with a basket of fresh fruit. Make a hamper including gifts like organic ghee, multifloral honey and coconut oil so your good wishes can translate into better health for your loved ones far beyond the festival
8. Burn calories, not crackers: Avoid lighting crackers as they are harmful for the planet and your health. Instead, this Diwali, spend quality time with your loved ones and create a special tradition of your own. Go for a family walk, plan a picnic together, indulge in a planting activity or go on a hike. Remember, celebrations aren’t about what you do but rather who you do them with!
Despite all the planning, your best laid plans might often go awry. Don’t beat yourself up about a few indulgences. The journey to good health is a long one and begins with a single step. Managed to swap sugar for honey? Great! Avoided processed food? Even better! Don’t let the worry be the focus of the upcoming festival. Instead, spend time with your loved ones and make better choices wherever you can.
Akshayakalpa Organic is the perfect partner to make your celebrations more sustainable and nutritious. Get organic, chemical-free ingredients for your culinary creations on the Akshayakalpa app and get ready to wow your guests with delicious delights. Send organic and wholesome gifts and
wishes to your loved ones anywhere in the country through Akshayakalpa’s pan-India website. Or plan a visit to the Akshayakalpa farm and spend the festival amidst nature, calm and tranquillity.
We’ve got something for everyone! To help plan your celebrations, log onto the Akshayakalpa app today!
We wish you a happy, healthy, nutritious and clean Diwali!
